Gabriela Nikolova Joins Rilski Sportist

Rilski Sportist has added considerable experience to its roster for the upcoming season with the arrival of two-time WABA champion Gabriela Nikolova (183 cm, 1997). She moves to Samokov after a highly successful tenure with domestic rivals Montana 2003.

Gabriela Nikolova is an absolute legend of the WABA League, boasting historic numbers and unmatched longevity on the international stage.

She stands as one of the most durable players in league history. She ranks second among all active players with an astonishing 131 games played in the competition.

Throughout her illustrious WABA League career, she has accumulated highly impressive all-around numbers: 706 points, 394 rebounds, 174 assists, 103 steals, and 9 blocks.

Nikolova’s career is defined by winning. In addition to capturing two ultimate WABA League Championship Titles (2019, 2026), she has reached the absolute peak of regional basketball on multiple other occasions, appearing in five additional Final Four tournaments (2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025) with her former clubs.

The Early Years (2015–2016): Nikolova began her elite senior career by moving from Levski Sofia to Montana 2003, marking her debut on the international regional stage.

The Championship Triumph with Beroe (2016–2019): She joined Beroe Stara Zagora, where she spent three seasons. She played 9 WABA games and helped Beroe win the prestigious championship.

The Return to Montana 2003 (2019–2026): In October 2019, Nikolova made a highly-publicized return to Montana 2003. After subsequent spells including playing abroad in Portugal (CDE Francisco Franco), she rejoined Montana again for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 campaings, remaining a focal part of the squad that consistently battled in the WABA Final Four